Breast lift surgery, medically known as mastopexy, reshapes and elevates the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissues. The recovery phase is crucial for achieving optimal aesthetic outcomes, involving several stages that require careful attention to post-operative guidelines and adherence to your surgeon’s instructions.
Understanding Your Post-Surgical Bandages
Following a breast lift, bandages are applied to support healing and protect the surgical sites. These dressings reduce swelling, provide compression, and stabilize breast tissue. Various types may be used, such as soft gauze pads, surgical tape, or adhesive strips like Steri-Strips. A compression garment or surgical bra is also often applied to offer continuous support, minimize fluid accumulation, and help maintain the new breast shape.
Typical Timeline for Bandage Removal
The timeline for bandage removal after a breast lift varies significantly, depending on the extent of surgery and your surgeon’s specific post-operative instructions. Initial gauze dressings may be removed by the surgeon within 24 to 48 hours, or patients might be instructed to change them daily at home. Surgical tapes, such as Steri-Strips, are often left in place directly over the incisions for 7 to 14 days, or until they begin to loosen and fall off naturally. Some surgeons may remove and replace these tapes at follow-up appointments over several weeks to support scar healing. A supportive surgical bra or compression garment is generally worn continuously for the first few weeks, sometimes up to 6 to 8 weeks, with removal only for showering.
Post-Removal Care and What to Expect
Once bandages are removed, careful attention to incision sites is important for continued healing. Gently clean incisions with mild soap and water, patting the area dry to avoid rubbing. While showering is generally permitted 24 to 48 hours after surgery, or once initial dressings are off, avoid full submersion in baths, hot tubs, or swimming pools until incisions are completely healed, which may take several weeks.
After bandage removal, breasts may exhibit common post-surgical symptoms, including discomfort, tightness, and stiffness. Swelling and bruising are also expected, often peaking around 4 to 5 days post-surgery and gradually subsiding over two to three weeks, though some swelling can persist longer. Numbness or altered sensation in the breast skin and nipples is common due to nerve disruption during surgery, with sensation typically returning gradually over several months.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While some post-operative symptoms are normal, certain signs warrant immediate medical attention from your surgeon or medical team. Signs of infection include increased redness at the incision site (especially if spreading or accompanied by warmth), pus, or foul-smelling fluid drainage. A fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C) or 101°F (38.3°C) requires prompt evaluation. Report persistent or excessive pain not managed by prescribed medication, or a sudden increase in pain. Other concerning symptoms include rapidly increasing or significant swelling, excessive bleeding from the incision sites, or any separation of the wound edges.